New ILS

On 17 July 2017 Joint University Librarians Advisory Committee (JULAC) members successfully introduced a shared integrated library system (ILS), the technology that underpins almost all aspects of library work including our library catalogue. The new system replaced the Libraries former ILS, which was no longer under active development and was becoming increasingly outdated.

As a single, centrally managed, cloud based system across the JULAC institutions, the new ILS will achieve significant efficiency gains by replacing eight separate library systems. A shared system deployment also has the potential to enable an even deeper collaborative relationship among the JULAC member libraries.

Improvements through the New System

The new ILS is a next-generation library management solution which enables JULAC libraries to manage both their print, electronic and digital collections through a single interface. It supports library collaboration and helps libraries to optimize their patron experience and collection with rich analytics.

Facing the Future

The new ILS is deployed by many of the major university libraries globally. Its architecture is geared towards evolving information standards and information management needs. Its open standards ensure smooth integration with third party solutions. This allows JULAC libraries to extend its services along with the growth of patron’s needs.

Optimize Patron Experience and Collection

With the rich analytics provided by the new ILS, JULAC libraries can harvest the big data generated by the platform to gain better insight of their resources usage so as to tailor their services and collection development to support patron’s needs.

Single Point of Access for JULAC Collections

It improves the visibility of, and the ability to, search across JULAC libraries collections without leaving the home library website. Requests for book loan and article delivery services can also be submitted seamlessly during the search process.

Improved Workflows

The new ILS supports management of electronic, print and digital resources from a single integrated interface. This breaks down the silos in collections and delivers efficiency gains through automated workflows.

Collaboration and Community

The new ILS enables further collaborations among the JULAC libraries. The eight JULAC libraries will share their bibliographic records once the system goes live. JULAC is continuously exploring how the system can further support execution of the strategy of deep collaboration in the areas of consortium purchasing and technical services.